The differences of some morpho-genetic diversty in scoth pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) origins and the effects of heavy metals on germination of seeds

In this study, by performing morphological characteristics on seedlings of some Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) provenances (Kars-Sarıkamış, Kars-Kağızman, Erzurum-Şenkaya, Erzurum-İspir and Kastamonu-Daday), the morpho-genetic differences among the provenances and the effects of different concentration levels of some heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Ni, Co, Cr and Pb) germination percentage of scots pine seeds were investigated. In this study, 7 morphological characteristics of provenances were investigated. Accordingly, it was determined that the mean values of seedling height (SH) varied between 7.17 and 13.42 cm, root collar diameter (RCD) between 2.24 and 3.86 mm, last-year shoot length (LYSL) between 0.7 and 1.4 cm, dry stem weight (DSW) between 1.36 and 1.53 g, fresh stem weight (FSW) between 1.4 and 1.8 g, dry root weight (DRW) between 0.45 and 0.73 g, and fresh root weight (FRW) between 0.62 and 0.84 g in 2+0 year old scots pine seedlings. According to the results of variance analysis (ANOVA) and Duncan Range Test performed on the mean values of 7 morphological characteristics investigated, the provenances have showed that the best growth performance was the Kars-Sarıkamış provenance, while the lowest growth performance was showed by Kastamonu-Daday provenance. In this study, the relationships between morphologic characteristics were investigated by using multiple correlation analysis. According to results obtained from multiple correlation analysis, the highest relationship level was found that between SH and RCD (0.375). These relations determined as a result of multiple correlation analysis were statistically significant at confidence level of P<0.01, all of them were effective positively. As a result of germination test performed with heavy metals, it was determined that the limit concentration levels, on which the scots pine seeds could resist at most in terms of mean germination percentage were 70% for Cu, 50% for Zn, 50% for Ni, 30% for Co, 70% for Cr, and 30% for Pb.